The record for this real estate negotiator is RM50mil worth of sales for a project within six months.
By Melisa Ng | melisang@starmedia.my
“First-time home buyers should not think too much. Everything starts
from that first step. If you feel comfortable with the property, go
ahead and buy it,” advised SK Brothers team leader Thomas Ong.
Ong vividly recalls a client who came to the sales office but didn’t
talk much. “I went up to him and explained the details and unique
selling points of the project. Each unit cost approximately RM1mil. I
still remember he chose six units and he asked for the total amount he
should pay. After I calculated, he said ‘Okay, I want all six units.’
“In my heart, I was shocked, but it got me thinking. For someone to
buy properties like ordering dishes at a restaurant, this must mean that
properties can make money,” said Ong.
However, Ong is quick to add that first-time home buyers should do
their homework before buying because they do not want to regret whatever
decisions made.
Sales industry
Ong, a graduate from Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM) was in the sales industry for the past 10 years.
“Before working as a real estate agent, I did door-to-door sales and
tried different kinds of sales job but somehow it didn’t give me the
satisfaction and incentive that I wanted. Most of the sales jobs are
about the same – you get commission or a percentage from what you sell.
So I thought if I want to continue to be in this line, why not sell
something that is worth much more? That’s why I chose the property
industry,” said Ong, 28.
“I really enjoy what I’m doing now. My time is flexible as I am free
to fix my schedule to my convenience. I’m not very hardworking as I come
to the office only once a week – on Tuesdays because there’s meeting,”
said Ong with a laugh.
To Ong, a 9-to-5 job is definitely not his cup of tea. He prefers to
go out and meet clients. His areas of expertise are around Petaling Jaya
and Damansara.
“Basically, I do my marketing by putting advertisements online and on
newspapers. It will generate the calls and leads. Customers also
introduce their friends to me – that’s the most powerful way of
marketing,” he explained.
“My record was RM50mil in sales for a project. It took me only six
months to achieve such sales and I’m really satisfied with that,” said
Ong.
On the benefits of being in the real estate industry, Ong is quick to
answer, “Being a real estate agent, there’s no limitations. It depends
on how many units you want to sell. The more you sell, the more you
earn. Therefore, the sky is the limit.”
He continued, “In this industry, you have a lot of free time and will
be able to allocate your time accordingly. You will have more time for
your family and friends.”
Trend
“Online advertising is now the trend. It’s the fastest way to reach
the public and it provides vast information. I always list my properties
online via property portals,” said Ong.
“As agents are always on the go, our smart phones come in handy. With
all the latest mobile applications, our life becomes much easier,” he
pointed out.
One of the phone applications that Ong uses is the mortgage
calculator application. “With this application, I do not need to call
the bankers and refer to them. I can just type in the information and
immediately inform my clients of the monthly repayment,” explained Ong.
Another application used by Ong is Waze, a community-based traffic
and navigation app. “I use it all the time and I can get to anywhere I
want,” he added.
Ong and his colleagues also use the chat application Whatsapp where they share updated news and information.
Singapore Vs Malaysia properties
Ong who grew up in Singapore, shared that if one is looking to invest in a stable property market, it’s in Malaysia.
“In Singapore, the property market is like the stock market. One day
it can be RM16,000 per sq ft and the next day it can fall to RM3,000 per
sq ft. That’s the Singapore market.
“So, investors, if you are willing to take the risk – you can go to
Singapore. Properties there are not cheap. If you buy a property in
Orchard Road, your toilet will cost you RM1mil. It’s the similar case in
Hong Kong,” said Ong.
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